Compositional Applications of Stochastic Processes
Kevin J. Jones · Computer Music Journal · 1981
A stochastic process is a collection of random-variable quantities distributed in space or time. When a statistician makes use of a stochastic process, the object is to find basic patterns in a set of observed data that will provide more coherent information about that data. In practice, a situation of complete randomness, where there is no order, is unlikely to occur. Indeed, the concept of absolute randomness turns out to be extremely difficult to define mathematically (Chaitin 1975). Mathematicians have classified various types of stochastic structures as a basic framework for analysis of stochastic processes. When composers make use of stochastic structuring techniques in musical composition, they are usually approaching the problem from the other direction. The main interest is in a synthesis of a sequence of sound data within a structural framework. A stochastic generative scheme is a means of setting up and manipulating stochastic control structures. Although a composer has a different objective, mathematical techniques developed for analysis can be of great practical use in the formal, structured environment of computer music systems.